199th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-10015

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Camp in the field

January 21st 1865

Dear Mother, Brothers and Sister,

I am in first rate health and I hope this letter will find you and all the family the same. I received Walter’s last letter in which he speaks of the friendship existing between me and Henry. We are as we always were, on good terms. And respect each other. I was glad to hear that the box of eatables had started and I hope to receive it soon and share it equally with Henry. Lenny was here to see me the other night and he is also well.

Up to date. The regiment has not received a cent of pay but expects to shortly and then I will hear how much has been deducted. I intend sending money home every pay day for my dear brother to take care of.

Give my respects to all the family and tell them to write me a long letter and let me know the news of home and Philadelphia. Tell Charley there is a court opened here for the purpose of court-martialing men who left the regiment in any way. There is one out of our Company E now being tried and sentence is being deferred. And there is still 3 or 4 more here waiting. I was told they are hunting every man up. The court is at the 1st Division Headquarters about one mile from our regiment. Those others I have not heard who they are. But I hardly think it is me or men from Company E. I would have found out by this time. But in case anything turns up, I will let you know immediately. When I left Alexandria, Virginia, my charges had been all cleared up and I was sent to my regiment. But now, they have opened a court here for the purpose of court-martialing men. This case of that fellow is as follows. He was mustered into the regiment at Camp Cadwallader, Philadelphia and started off with the regiment and on Broad Street he left the regiment and went home and was there 2 or 3 weeks. And then was arrested by a detective. He was in Alexandria with me and I got to the regiment 3 weeks before him. His name is Howard. He was not court martialed at Alexandria at all.

Tomorrow is inspection day and I am all ready with my knapsack neat and packed and my equipment in good order and my boots blacked. Last Thursday morning I came off of picket, making six times. Rebels are coming in every day and taking the oath.

Tell Charley to send me a 2 dollar bill in his next letter. Give my respects to Johnny Wolfer and I hope he will soon recover from his disease and tell him to write me a letter. I was glad to hear that the Big Three was so fortunate as to be the winner of the horn.

No more at present except please answer as soon as possible. Goodbye.

God bless you forever and ever, amen.



Your Affectionate Son to heart,

Harry C. Ridgway
Company E
199th Pennsylvania Volunteers

The weather here is awful, raining and freezing.

H.C.R.